Tetlin Hills Fire update, July 2

Tanana Chiefs Crew Brings Their Skills to the Tetlin Hills Fire

(Tok, AK) –The Tanana Chiefs Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew brings their skills to the Tetlin Hills Fire for the first time today. The Tok-based crew arrives after finishing a tough two week assignment on the jackstraw and blowdown strewn Tanana Slough Fire. The Chiefs, along with the Upper Tanana Type 2 Hand Crew, is strengthening the fire line with an emphasis on the northeast, east and southeast perimeter of the fire. Yesterday’s cloud cover and light rain showers helped to moderate fire behavior. More rain and cool temperatures are predicted for today and tonight.

The Tetlin Hills Fire was started by a lightning strike on the evening of June 20, 2015. The fire remains at 1800 areas in size. The area affected by the Tetlin Hills Fire includes Tetlin Tribal Lands and the Tanana Valley State Forest. It is 13 miles west of the village of Tetlin, which is not threatened at this time. The fire continues to be a potential threat to the community of Tok which is eight miles away and to the Tok Cutoff road which is three miles away.

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, a reminder about the danger of human-caused fires is appropriate. A statewide Burn Closure Order which affected the Tanana Valley has been lifted. While this cancels restrictions on small campfires, charcoal and propane fires, fireworks are subject to local laws and regulations so the public is advised to check before setting off any fireworks. You are responsible for any fires that start as a result of your actions. Fuels remain dry in the area, and weather can change rapidly, which will also affect fire behavior.